A while ago I wrote a response to an article in the Sun Journal about the exodus of businesses from downtown Lewiston, but decided to hold it to see if it was temporary.

Since then, two more businesses have left; an eatery and J. Dostie Jewelers announced they were leaving. The reasons given are weak excuses for what few of them want to address for fear of retribution by the liberals in our community.

When my wife and I came to Lewiston we found a vibrant downtown with many clothing stores, restaurants, jewelers and more. The merchants showed a lot of pride in the appearance of their buildings. They were kept neat and clean; they always had attractive and inviting displays in their windows. The churches were full and there were many civic clubs helping the needy.

We eventually raised five children in this community.

Take a walk down Lisbon Street today. Storefronts are filthy. You can’t see through the windows. Awnings are broken. I see no evidence of any pride in these businesses.

Homeless people are wandering around sleeping in storefronts, and some are using them as bathrooms. There are regular shootings and arrests weekly. The only professionals left are lawyers, because the courthouse is downtown and most of them don’t live in Lewiston, nor do the doctors.

So, I ask people why would any reputable business want to start up in Lewiston?

I wish people could prove me wrong, but my eyes do not deceive.

John Reeder, Lewiston

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